By Antin. In general, like other cancer, the causes of primary bone cancer are not known. But there are some conditions that may increase the risk of bone cancer. Adults with Paget’s disease of bone, which involves abnormal development of new bone cells, may be at increased risk of osteosarcoma.

In a few cases, bone cancers may have a genetically component, such as in:

  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This syndrome has an increased risk of many different cancers, including osteosarcoma, breast cancer, brain cancer and others.
  • Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. This syndrome characterized by short stature, skeletal problems and rashes, and increases risk of bone cancer.
  • Hereditary retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the eye. Children with retinoblastoma have an increased risk of osteosarcoma.
  • Multiple exostoses. It is inherited disease that causes cartilage bumps to form on the bones. Children with this condition have an increased risk of chondrosarcoma.

The association with radiation
Radiation is occasionally associated with bone cancer. Exposure to radiation from a diagnostic X-ray won’t instantly risk you to bone cancer. But heavy doses of radiation, such as radiation therapy given for other cancers, can increase your risk of bone cancer, especially if you receive the therapy at a young age.

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